What are your handiest gadgets?

[Jim Koepke]

The Paolini pocket rule.

That looks like what a specialized modern day Odd Jobs would be.

It must be pretty tricky bashing a 3mm rod through that smallest hole.

Actually, it would be easy since the smallest hole is 1/8" (0.125") versus 3mm being 0.118". It would just fall through.

In my experience, the best dowels come from first cutting them just a hair oversize with a hollow auger, then popping them through the guide.

Square stock does okay, but it doesn't come out as cleanly as stock that is first cut round.

jtk

[Hilton Ralphs]

Actually, it would be easy since the smallest hole is 1/8" (0.125") versus 3mm being 0.118". It would just fall through.

Hehe, I just knew you would say this. Nonetheless, do you find 1/8" dowels useful?

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I was thinking of a Dowel plate then saw this:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...55&cat=1,42524

Just wish I had ordered the two smaller sizes when the set was bought.

Makes a couple more items to put in the cart to wait for a free shipping event.

jtk

I stumbled across a complete master dowel maker set on eBay for around $100. http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...at=1,180,42288

Honestly it is way more than I needed, but I could not pass it up. I was amazed at how heavily it is built and how well it is engineered. The pictures don't do it justice. Really it is a heavy thing with a very thick blade like a fine plane. I got the entire set unused. I am always wishing for dowels of specific woods to match or contrast the wood I am using. It is nice to be able to make my own. The "hammer the wood through a hole" process looks like it may work for short dowels, but the dowel maker is a better method. That said, the price makes it out of reach for the hobbyist.

[Jim Koepke]

Hehe, I just knew you would say this. Nonetheless, do you find 1/8" dowels useful?

Some of my up coming projects will be small boxes with hinged lids. Using dowels instead of metal hinges is something I want to try. May just use pins cut from nails.

jtk

[Jay Maiers]

Judson, your post reminded me of something that is almost always used and often ignored in my shop.

Attachment 272354

So simple, yet so useful. I keep meaning to make a set of spacers, and keep forgetting or putting it off. Maybe this time I'll get it done. Thanks for posting this!

[Gary Muto]

I stumbled across a complete master dowel maker set on eBay for around $100. http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...at=1,180,42288

Nice Gloat... very stealth.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Nice Gloat... very stealth.

Funny thing is, I almost passed on it. I didn't realize how well they are made and how heavy as well. That said, it was a cool find, and I am the eBay master!